Sophisticated metal, played from the heart.
Ashes Of Ares is a new band that features former Iced Earth members Matt Barlow (vocals) and Freddie Vidales (vocals/ guitar and bass), and former Nevermore drummer Van Williams.
The first thing I noticed was the excellent production, courtesy of Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Obituary, Jon Olivia's Pain). The guitars ring sharp on opening number 'The Messenger' and there is a sense of the epic in the delivery, while the vocals go from throaty growls to siren screams. Old school speed metal is the name of the game with 'Move The Chains'. The song spews out jagged ferocity, while the vocals bark out lyrics of discontent. We slow things down for 'On Warriors Wings', as it slowly builds to a metal climax of soaring vocals and slashing guitar lines, while the darker vocal tones of 'Punishment' are designed to push forward the lyrical content, the guitars meanwhile tearing chunks out of the song. It is an unforgiving statement.
It becomes clear by the time we hit 'This Is My Hell' that the band know their craft and are displaying their credentials. Fluid guitar work and hair curling vocals are all controlled, and each song buzzes with vibrant energy. 'The Answer' is both simple and accessible in that it delivers on all accounts - emotional vocals rapped in a hook laden chorus, killer twin lead guitars and a kick-arse rhythm section. Bringing things to a close is 'The One Eyed King', a slow-burning song of rebellious nature, complete with spoken words and banshee like screams. This is sophisticated metal, played from the heart.
Ashes of Ares haven produced a pounding iron clad metal album that, after only one spin, is ingrained indefinitely in your head.
Ray Paul
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